Camera and control method therefor, and camera cradle system

ABSTRACT

A camera that has an acquisition unit which acquires an identifier via a cradle apparatus connected to the camera, a comparison unit which compares the identifier acquired by the acquisition unit with an identifier stored in a memory, and a camera controller which controls access of the apparatus connected via the cradle apparatus based on comparison results by the comparison unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a camera and a control method therefor,and a camera cradle system. In particular, the present invention relatesto controlling access levels from an apparatus connected to a digitalcamera.

2. Description of the Related Art

As digital cameras grow in popularity, various unprecedented methods ofthe use of digital cameras are being studied. For instance, one suchmethod involves providing a pan/tilt function to a pan/tilt head for adigital camera (refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.2002-199251).

As described above, it has become possible to externally transmit ortransfer captured image data with greater ease using networkingfunctions, and storing captured image data is now easier and moreconvenient than ever.

The present inventor has developed a cradle apparatus that is equippedwith a data storage function, in addition to a charging function whichis a basic function of such an apparatus. In this case, there is a riskof the communication function of the cradle apparatus being used tosteal captured image data or to alter the setting of private data to aviewable state. In addition, since restricting access to captured imagedata requires such restrictions to be respectively configured forindividual captured image data in the digital camera, configurationmethods may be complicated, and there is a risk that a user may forgetto perform configuration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in consideration of the aboveproblems, and an object thereof is to control access levels from anapparatus connected to a camera in an easy manner.

A first aspect of the present invention is related to a camera, andcomprises an acquisition unit which acquires an identifier via thecradle apparatus connected to the camera, a comparison unit whichcompares the identifier acquired by the acquisition unit with anidentifier stored in a memory, and a camera controller which controlsaccess of the apparatus connected via the cradle apparatus controllerbased on comparison results by the comparison unit.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a camera cradlesystem, and comprises the above-described camera and a cradle apparatusconnected to the camera.

A third aspect of the present invention is related to a camera controlmethod, and comprises a connecting step for connecting a cradleapparatus to a camera, an acquisition step for acquiring an identifiervia the connected cradle apparatus, a comparison step for comparing theidentifier acquired in the acquisition step with an identifier stored ina memory of the camera, and a control step for controlling access of theapparatus connected via the cradle apparatus based on comparison resultsobtained in the comparison step.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram according to a preferred embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an operating panel face of a digitalcamera;

FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a menu of the digital camera;

FIGS. 4A to 4E are diagrams showing examples of display screenscorresponding to menus of the digital camera;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flowchart of setting a cradle ID;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flowchart of changing access levelsettings;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of deleting a cradle ID;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the digital camera forsetting access levels;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the cradle apparatus forsetting access levels;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flowchart of an imaging apparatus forsetting access levels;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a menu of the digital camera;

FIGS. 12A to 12E are diagrams showing examples of display screenscorresponding to the menus of the digital camera;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a flowchart of imaging apparatus operationsusing a user ID; and

FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams showing access levels corresponding to acradle ID and user ID.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

For a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a detaileddescription will be provided on an imaging apparatus composed of adigital camera and a cradle apparatus for digital cameras.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 101denotes a digital camera, while 102 denotes a cradle apparatus. Animaging apparatus 100 is configured by mounting the digital camera 101onto the cradle apparatus 102. The digital camera 101 is capable ofperforming its camera control functions such as zooming, focusing andexposure via external control, and is capable of capturing both stillimages and moving images. The cradle apparatus 102 is structured so thatthe digital camera 101 may be easily mounted thereon and removedtherefrom. In addition, the cradle apparatus 102 is capable ofcontrolling the pan angle and tilt angle of the mounted digital camera101 through mechanisms such as motors. Furthermore, it is assumed thatthe digital camera 101, when mounted, is electrically connected to thecradle apparatus 102. In response to operation instructions and the likefrom a plurality of operating terminals 104 and 105, the cradleapparatus 102 enables viewing of finder images of the digital camera 101and control of the digital camera 101 or the pan/tilt head through anetwork 103 such as a LAN or the Internet. The cradle apparatus 102 alsohas a storage unit with a relatively large capacity which is capable ofaccumulating images of the digital camera 101. Furthermore, the cradleapparatus 102 is capable of controlling the power source or the like ofthe digital camera 101 via external sensors such as a motion sensor.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram according to a preferred embodimentof the present invention. Reference numeral 200 denotes a digitalcamera, while 220 denotes a cradle apparatus. Reference numerals 101 and102 of FIG. 1 respectively correspond to reference numerals 200 and 220of FIG. 2. The digital camera 200 comprises an image capturing unit 201,an image compressing unit 202, an image storage unit 203, a finderdisplay unit 204, an operating switch 205, an external interfacecontroller (external IF controller) 206, a camera controller 207, and aflash controller 208. The digital camera 200 further comprises anacquisition unit 210, a comparison unit 211, a registration unit 212, asetting unit 213, a changing unit 214 and a deleting unit 215. Thedigital camera 200 has basic functions of a digital camera. The imagecapturing unit 201 includes a lens, an image capturing device, an imagesignal processing circuit and the like. The image compressing unit 202compresses digital image data obtained from the image capturing unit 201using JPEG and the like, in the case of still images, and using MotionJPEG or MPEG4 and the like in the case of moving images. Compressedimage data is recorded in the image storage unit 203 as files. Thefinder display unit 204 is capable of displaying images currently beingcaptured, images previously captured or other operation GUIs, andchanging settings such as release or image quality using the operatingswitch 205. In addition, the angle of view is arranged to beconfigurable while viewing images instead of viewing an optical finder.The external interface controller 206 is a unit responsible forexchanging control signals or power between the digital camera 200 andthe outside, and includes a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface as wellas a power interface for driving and charging the camera. The externalinterface controller 206 receives control commands from the cradleapparatus 220, and transmits images to the cradle apparatus 220. Thecamera controller 207 controls each component within the digital camera200. A set value storage unit 209 stores set values set according tocommands from either the operating switch 205 or the cradle apparatus220. In addition, the set value storage unit 209 stores an identifierincluded in the cradle apparatus 220, to be described later, which isused to identify the cradle apparatus 220, and an access levelassociated with the identifier. The acquisition unit 210 acquires theidentifier of the cradle apparatus 220 via the cradle apparatus 220connected to the external interface controller 206. In addition, theacquisition unit 210 may also acquire an identifier (user name or thelike) inputted from an external apparatus connected via the cradleapparatus 220 connected to the external interface controller 206. Thecomparison unit 211 compares the identifier acquired by the acquisitionunit 210 with an identifier stored in the set value storage unit 209 ora memory such as a removable memory or the like attached to the digitalcamera 200. The registration unit 212 registers the identifier of thecradle apparatus 220 in the above-mentioned memory. The setting unit 213sets an access level corresponding to the identifier registered in theabove-mentioned memory. The changing unit 214 changes the access levelset by the setting unit 213. The deleting unit 215 deletes theidentifier registered in the above-mentioned memory as well as theaccess level corresponding to the identifier.

The cradle apparatus 220 comprises a pan/tilt driving unit 222, apan/tilt head controller 221, a cradle controller 223, an externalinterface controller 224, a network controller 225, an image storageunit 226, a sensor input unit 227, and a data storage unit 228. Thepan/tilt driving unit 222 performs pan/tilt driving of the digitalcamera 200. The pan/tilt head controller 221 controls the pan/tiltdriving unit 222. The cradle controller 223 controls the entire cradleapparatus 220. The external interface controller (external IFcontroller) 224 is an interface controller for providing power to thedigital camera 200 and for controlling the digital camera 200 via USB.The external interface controller 224 transmits control commands to thedigital camera 200, and externally retrieves responses such as imagedata from the digital camera 200. The pan/tilt head of the cradleapparatus 220 has a connecting mechanism which enables the externalinterface controller 206 of the digital camera 200 and the externalinterface controller 224 of the cradle apparatus 220 to be electricallyconnected when the digital camera 200 is mounted onto the cradleapparatus 220. It is assumed that whether the digital camera 200 ismounted onto the cradle apparatus 220 may be determined by theelectrical characteristics of the power source or the USB at theexternal interface controller 224. Methods of exchanging control signalswith the outside should not be limited to USB, and IEEE 1394 or the likemay be used instead. In addition, the USB should not be limited to wiredconnection, and a form of wireless connection such as wireless USB maybe adopted. In a wireless connection form, the digital camera 200 andthe cradle apparatus 220 should not be physically connected. Instead,bringing the digital camera 200 and the cradle apparatus 220 close toeach other to establish connection according to a protocol such as USBwould suffice. The network controller 225 is a network interface whichexchanges control commands or the like through connection with theoperating terminals 104 and 105. The network controller 225 interpretscontrol commands from the operating terminals 104 and 105 via thenetwork 103 to control the digital camera 200 and the pan/tilt head. Thenetwork controller 225 also sends captured images to the operatingterminals 104 and 105 via the network 103. The image storage unit 226 isa large-capacity storage unit such as a hard disk with sufficientcapacity to store images captured by the digital camera 200. The sensorinput unit 227 is a unit which retrieves signals from the motion sensoras triggers. The image storage unit 226 temporarily stores data and thelike with which the digital camera 200 is to be set. In addition, theimage storage unit 226 stores an identifier for individual recognitionof the cradle apparatus 220. A method in which the serial number of thecradle apparatus 220 is used as an identifier will now be described asan example for individual recognition.

The respective numbers of the cradle apparatus 220 and the operatingterminals 104 and 105 to be connected to the network 103 are notrestricted to the numbers described in the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. Instead, a large number of such apparatuses andterminals may exist, as long as they are identifiable through addressesor the like. In addition, as for the network 103, a digital network suchas the Internet or an intranet with a band sufficient for transferringcamera control signals and compressed image signals would suffice.Furthermore, as for the operating terminals 104 and 105, terminals suchas PCs, mobile phones, PDAs or network TVs are preferred. Therefore,while modes of physical connection to the network 103 may includewireless connections in addition to wired connections, such connectionsare not limited to any particular physical mode as long as theconnections are made according to protocols.

The access levels of the imaging apparatus 100 will now be described.Items which determine access levels include: 1. real time imagetransmission; 2. real time still image transmission; 3. cameraoperations; 4. captured image data transmission; 5. pan/tilt operationsand the like. The access level of the imaging apparatus 100 isdetermined by setting each item to either permit or deny access.

1. Real Time Image Transmission

The imaging apparatus 100 is capable of transmitting real time images ofthe digital cameras 101 and 200 to the operating terminals 104 and 105via the network 103. For instance, the operating terminal 105 mayperform simplified monitoring by receiving real time images from theimaging apparatus 100. This item determines whether transmission of realtime images by the imaging apparatus 100 to the network 103 will bepermitted. 2. Real Time Still Image Transmission

The imaging apparatus 100 is capable of transmitting high-definitionstill images captured by the digital camera 101 to the operatingterminals 104 and 105 via the network 103. Similar to the item of realtime image transmission, when using the imaging apparatus 100 as amonitoring camera, still images may be acquired along with real timeimages. This item determines whether transmission of real time stillimages by the imaging apparatus 100 to the network 103 will bepermitted.

3. Camera Operations

Zoom and brightness of the digital camera 101 of the imaging apparatus100 may be controlled from the operating terminals 104 and 105 via thenetwork 103. When using the imaging apparatus 100 as a monitoringcamera, target images may be acquired at a higher definition byoperating the digital camera 101. This item determines whether theimaging apparatus 100 will allow remote camera operations.

4. Captured Image Data Transmission

Captured image data which has already been captured is stored in thedigital camera 101 of the imaging apparatus 100 in the image storageunit 203. The operating terminals 104 and 105 enable easy viewing ofimages captured by the digital camera 101 by acquiring captured imagedata from the imaging apparatus 100 and displaying such data on atelevision monitor or the like. In addition, organizing data is madeeasier by storing captured image data in a PC and deleting capturedimage data existing in the digital camera 101. However, on the otherhand, since captured image data is private in nature, the user maydesire to deny access from the network 103. This item determines whetherthe imaging apparatus 100 will permit access to captured image datastored in the digital camera 101.

5. Pan/Tilt Operations

The cradle apparatuses 102 and 220 of the imaging apparatus 100 includethe pan/tilt driving unit 222 and the pan/tilt head controller 221. Whenusing the imaging apparatus 100 as a monitoring camera, target imagesmay be acquired from a wider range by controlling pan/tilt operationsthrough the operating terminals 104 and 105. The imaging apparatus 100is configured by the digital camera 101 and the cradle apparatus 102.When the cradle apparatus 102 is combined with a digital camera 101which is larger than the cradle apparatus 102, thereby making itinappropriate to stably perform pan/tilt operations, remote pan/tiltoperations may be arranged to be prohibited. This item determineswhether the imaging apparatus 100 will allow remote pan/tilt operations.

The items which determine access levels are as described above. Sincethe imaging apparatus 100 is composed of the digital camera 101 and thecradle apparatus 102, it is desirable that access levels be set usingcombinations thereof. For a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, access levels are set by the combination of the digitalcamera 101 and the cradle apparatus 102. Therefore, the cradle apparatus102 is provided with a serial number and the like which enablesindividual recognition, and an access level corresponding to the serialnumber of the cradle apparatus 102 is set and stored at the digitalcamera 101 side. Access levels of the imaging apparatus 100 are retainedin this manner. The serial number of the cradle apparatus 102 is storedin the data storage unit 228 shown in FIG. 2. The digital camera 101internally stores the serial number of the cradle apparatus 102(hereinafter referred to as cradle ID) and the access level in the setvalue storage unit 209 shown in FIG. 2. TABLE 1 CRADLE ID ACCESS LEVELHOME CRADLE REAL TIME IMAGE TRANSMISSION: ALLOWED REAL TIME STILL IMAGETRANSMISSION: ALLOWED CAMERA OPERATIONS: ALLOWED CAPTURED IMAGE DATATRANSMISSION: ALLOWED PAN/TILT OPERATIONS: ALLOWED OFFICE REAL TIMEIMAGE TRANSMISSION: ALLOWED CRADLE REAL TIME STILL IMAGE TRANSMISSION:ALLOWED CAMERA OPERATIONS: ALLOWED CAPTURED IMAGE DATA TRANSMISSION:DENIED PAN/TILT OPERATIONS: ALLOWED TANAKA REAL TIME IMAGE TRANSMISSION:ALLOWED RESIDENCE REAL TIME STILL IMAGE TRANSMISSION: ALLOWED CAMERAOPERATIONS: ALLOWED CAPTURED IMAGE DATA TRANSMISSION: DENIED PAN/TILTOPERATIONS: DENIED C54Y293WZ24 REAL TIME IMAGE TRANSMISSION: ALLOWEDREAL TIME STILL IMAGE TRANSMISSION: ALLOWED CAMERA OPERATIONS: DENIEDCAPTURED IMAGE DATA TRANSMISSION: DENIED PAN/TILT OPERATIONS: DENIEDOTHER REAL TIME IMAGE TRANSMISSION: ALLOWED CRADLES REAL TIME STILLIMAGE TRANSMISSION: ALLOWED CAMERA OPERATIONS: DENIED CAPTURED IMAGEDATA TRANSMISSION: DENIED PAN/TILT OPERATIONS: DENIED

Table 1 shows correlations of cradle IDs and access levels, which areboth stored in the digital camera 101. Cradle IDs are labeled for betterclarity for the user, and in the case of Table 1, cradle IDs include ahome cradle, an office cradle, Tanaka residence and the like. Withaccess levels, information regarding allowing or denying of the accessitems described earlier is stored in correspondence to the cradleapparatus 102.

By storing cradle IDs and access levels to correlate with each other indigital camera 101, the following settings will be enabled. Morespecifically, when the cradle apparatus 102 is at home, the access levelmay be set so that captured image data may be accessed. When the cradleapparatus 102 is at a location other than the home, the access level maybe set so that access to captured image data is denied. This eliminatesthe risk of having captured image data stored in the digital camera 101accessed via the network 103 even if the cradle apparatus 102 hascommunication capabilities. Therefore, it is possible to charge thedigital camera 101 at the Tanaka residence, or use the digital camera101 of the imaging apparatus 100 at the office as a monitoring camera.

Next, a method of registering cradle IDs and access levels with thedigital camera 101, as well as methods of editing and deleting IDs willbe described.

First, a method of registering cradle IDs (serial numbers of cradleapparatuses) with the digital camera 101 and setting access levels willbe described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A to 4E and 5.

FIG. 3A is a diagram showing the back side of the digital camera 101,which is the face that is opposite to the lens face, which has a cameraoperating panel. Reference numeral 301 denotes a display panel as adisplay unit, which is composed of a LCD and the like. Referencenumerals 302, 303 and 304 denote operating switches. Labels are attachedto the switches, such as MENU to 302 and SET to 303, while referencenumeral 304 denotes a direction key which includes the directions of upand down, and left and right. Each switch is assigned a functioncorresponding to the operation status. Using the display panel and theswitches, registration of a cradle apparatus, or configuration of anoperation GUI which enables setting of access levels, may be performedin addition to normal camera setting operations. FIG. 3A shows one suchexample. When the user presses the MENU button 302 when the digitalcamera 101 has been turned on, menu items corresponding to the state ofthe digital camera 101 are displayed (not shown). An example of a menuhierarchy to be displayed is shown as reference numeral 310 in FIG. 3B.In the menu hierarchy, settings of image quality or compressionparameters, as well as a basic setting menu, are arranged at the topmenu. The basic settings menu includes an item for imaging apparatussettings menu, which in turn includes menus for registering cradle IDs,setting/changing access levels and deleting cradle IDs. Examples ofdisplay screens corresponding to each menu are shown as referencenumeral 320 in FIG. 4A, 330 in FIG. 4B, 340 in FIG. 4C, 350 in FIG. 4Dand 360 in FIG. 4E.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flowchart of registering a cradle ID withthe digital camera 101.

In step S401, when the user presses the MENU button 302 of the digitalcamera 101, the camera controller 207 causes a camera menu (menuhierarchy 310) to be displayed on the display unit 301 of the digitalcamera 101.

In step S402, the user uses the direction key 304 to select “basicsettings menu” from the displayed menu items, and presses the SET button303. This causes the camera controller 207 to advance its menu hierarchyuntil the items in “basic settings menu” are displayed on the displayunit 301.

In step S403, the user uses the direction key 304 and the SET button 303in the same manner to select “imaging apparatus settings menu” from thebasic settings menu. This causes the camera controller 207 to displaythe items in the imaging apparatus settings menu 320, shown in FIG. 4A,on the display unit 301.

In step S404, the user selects “register cradle ID” 321 in the imagingapparatus settings menu 320 shown in FIG. 4A in order to register thecradle ID with the digital camera 101.

In step S405, when cradle ID registration is selected, the digitalcamera 101 enters cradle ID registration mode. The camera controller 207causes a message notifying the user that preparations for cradle IDregistration has been completed to be displayed on the display unit 301,as depicted in FIG. 4B as reference numeral 330.

In step S406, the user mounts the digital camera 101 onto the cradleapparatus 102 which the user wishes to register.

In step S407, when the digital camera 101 and the cradle apparatus 102are connected, communication set up is automatically performed, and amutually communicable state is achieved. After entering the mutuallycommunicable state, the acquisition unit 210 acquires a serial numberfor individually identifying the cradle apparatus 102 from the same.

In step S408, the camera controller 207 causes a menu for setting accesscontrols corresponding to the acquired serial number, or, in otherwords, cradle ID, to be displayed on the display unit 301. Referencenumeral 340 in FIG. 4C is a menu for setting access controls. The cradleID acquired earlier is displayed as reference numeral 341. As menus forsetting access levels, the access level items of real time imagetransmission 342, real time still image transmission 343, cameraoperations 344, captured image data transmission 345 and pan/tiltoperations 346, described earlier, are displayed. Each of these itemshas a check box 347, and access to the corresponding item is permittedby checking the check box.

In step S409, based on operations of the direction key 304 and the SETbutton 303 by the user, the setting unit 213 sets an access level of thecradle apparatus 102 to be registered.

In step S410, after the access level has been set, the registration unit212 registers an identifier (name or the like) corresponding to thecradle ID. The value of the cradle ID acquired earlier may be used as-isfor name registration.

In step S411, after all processes up to and including name registrationhave been concluded, the registration unit 212 confirms the accesslevel, and registers settings. Through the above operations, as well asoperations by the imaging apparatus 100, a cradle ID is registered withthe digital camera 101.

Next, a method of changing an access level registered with the digitalcamera 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A to 4Eand 6.

For the operations at the digital camera 101 described below, thedigital camera 101 may or may not be mounted onto the cradle apparatus102. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flowchart for changing access levels.

In step S501, when the user presses the MENU button 302 of the digitalcamera 101, the camera controller 207 causes a camera menu (menuhierarchy 310) to be displayed on the display unit 301 of the digitalcamera 101.

In step S502, the user uses the direction key 304 to select “basicsettings menu” from the displayed menu items, and presses the SET button303. This causes the camera controller 207 to advance its menu hierarchyuntil the items in “basic settings menu” are displayed on the displayunit 301.

In step S503, the user uses the direction key 304 and the SET button 303in the same manner to select “imaging apparatus settings menu” from thebasic settings menu. This causes the camera controller 207 to displaythe items in the imaging apparatus settings menu 320, shown in FIG. 4A,on the display unit 301.

In step S504, the user selects “change access level settings” 322 in theimaging apparatus settings menu 320 shown in FIG. 4A in order to changean access level that has already been registered.

In step S505, when changing access level settings is selected, thedigital camera 101 enters a change access level settings mode. Thecamera controller 207 causes the change access level settings menu 350,shown in FIG. 4D, to be displayed on the display unit 301 of the digitalcamera 101. The displayed menu includes an item named “other cradles,”in addition to a list of cradle apparatuses 102 that have already beenregistered. “Other cradles” is an item for setting an access level ofthe imaging apparatus 100 involving a combination with a cradleapparatus other than the registered cradle apparatuses 102.

In step S507, the user uses the direction key 304 to select a cradleapparatus corresponding to the access level which the user wishes tochange from the displayed list.

In step S508, after a cradle apparatus has been selected, the cameracontroller 207 causes the access level settings menu 340 of FIG. 4C tobe displayed on the display unit 301. The access level settings menu 340is similar to the menu used for setting access levels during cradle IDregistration described earlier.

In step S509, in the same manner as with the case of cradle IDregistration, the user uses the direction key 304 to check/uncheck theitems to be permitted access to change settings to a desired accesslevel.

In step S510, after completing settings, the changing unit 214 registersthe edited settings to conclude changing of access level settings.

Next, a method of deleting a cradle ID registered with the digitalcamera 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A to 4Eand 7.

In the operations at the digital camera 101 described below, the digitalcamera 101 may or may not be mounted onto the cradle apparatus 102. FIG.7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of deleting a cradle ID registeredwith the digital camera 101.

In step S601, when the user presses the MENU button 302 of the digitalcamera 101, the camera controller 207 causes a camera menu (menuhierarchy 310) to be displayed on the display unit 301 of the digitalcamera 101.

In step S602, the user uses the direction key 304 to select “basicsettings menu” from the displayed menu items, and presses the SET button303. This causes the camera controller 207 to advance its menu hierarchyuntil the items in “basic settings menu” shown in FIG. 3B are displayedon the display unit 301.

In step S603, the user uses the direction key 304 and the SET button 303in the same manner to select “imaging apparatus settings menu” from thebasic settings menu. This causes the camera controller 207 to displaythe items in the imaging apparatus settings menu 320, shown in FIG. 4A,on the display unit 301.

In step S604, the user selects “delete cradle ID” 323 in the imagingapparatus settings menu 320 shown in FIG. 4A in order to delete theregistered cradle ID.

In step S605, when cradle ID deletion is selected, the digital camera101 enters cradle ID deletion mode. The camera controller 207 causes thecradle ID deletion menu 360, shown in FIG. 4E, to be displayed on thedisplay unit 301 of the digital camera 101.

In step S606, the camera controller 207 causes a list of alreadyregistered cradle apparatuses to be displayed in the menu displayed onthe display unit 301.

In step S607, the user uses the direction key 304 to select a cradle IDto be deleted from the displayed list.

In step S608, once a cradle ID is selected, the camera controller 207prompts the user to verify the cradle ID to be deleted forreconfirmation.

In step S609, after the user reconfirms the deletion target using theSET button 303, the deleting unit 215 deletes information regarding thetarget cradle apparatus. Through the above operations, a cradle IDregistered with the digital camera 101 is deleted.

Next, operations up to and including setting access levels when theimaging apparatus 100 is configured by the digital camera 101 and acradle apparatus 102 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9 and10. FIG. 8 shows an operation flowchart seen from the digital camera101, while FIG. 9 shows an operation flowchart seen from the cradleapparatus. FIG. 10 shows an operation flowchart of the imaging apparatus100.

First, the operation procedure of the digital camera 101 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 8.

In step S701, the digital camera 101 is activated.

In step S702, the digital camera 101 is mounted onto the cradleapparatus.

In step S703, once mounted onto the cradle apparatus, the digital camera101 is electrically connected to the cradle apparatus, and set up of USBconnection is initiated.

In step S704, once USB connection set up is completed, the digitalcamera 101 becomes communicable with the cradle apparatus. Theacquisition unit 210 of the digital camera 101 acquires a serial number(cradle ID) for individually identifying the cradle apparatus from thesame.

In step S705, the comparison unit 211 of the digital camera 101 performsa check to see whether the cradle ID acquired from the cradle apparatusmatches the number stored in the set value storage unit 209 in thedigital camera 101.

In step S706, the comparison unit 211 of the digital camera 101determines whether the cradle ID acquired through the search performedin step S703 is registered with the digital camera 101. If it isdetermined that the cradle ID is registered with the digital camera 101(“Yes” in step S706), in step S707, the digital camera 101 is set to anaccess level corresponding to the cradle ID. On the other hand, if it isdetermined that the cradle ID is not registered with the digital camera101 (“No” in step S706), in step S708, the digital camera 101 is set toan access level for a case where there are no registered IDs. The accesslevel for a case where there are no registered IDs is the access levelthat is set as “other cradles” in FIG. 4D.

In step S709, the setting unit 213 of the digital camera 101 sets theaccess level to itself, and notifies the set access level to the cradleapparatus. Hereafter, the digital camera 101 will commence operations asthe imaging apparatus 100 at the set access level. Next, the operationprocedure of the cradle apparatus will be described with reference toFIG. 9.

In step S801, the cradle apparatus is activated.

In step S802, the digital camera 101 is mounted.

In step S803, once mounted onto the cradle apparatus, the digital camera101 is electrically connected to the cradle apparatus, and set up of USBconnection is initiated.

In step S804, once USB connection set up is completed, the cradleapparatus and the digital camera 101 become communicable. The cradleapparatus reads out a cradle ID (serial number) stored in the datastorage unit 228 for individual recognition, and transmits the cradle IDto the digital camera 101.

In step S805, the above-described operation is performed in the digitalcamera 101, and the cradle apparatus receives an access levelcorresponding to the cradle ID. The cradle apparatus commencesoperations as the imaging apparatus 100 at the received access level.

Next, the operation procedure of the imaging apparatus 100 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 10.

In step S901, the imaging apparatus 100 is activated.

In step S902, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, an access level is determinedbetween the digital camera 101 and the cradle apparatus. In thefollowing description, it is assumed that an access level correspondingto the office cradle shown in Table 1 has been set.

In step S903, the imaging apparatus 100 sets the determined accesslevel.

In step S904, the imaging apparatus 100 enters a waiting state forcommands from an event or a network.

In step S905, it is determined whether there is a real time imagerequest from the network. If a real time image request has been issued(“Yes” in step S905), the imaging apparatus 100 performs real time imagetransmission processing in step S906.

In step S907, it is determined whether there is a still image request.If a still image request has been issued (“Yes” in step S907), in stepS908, the imaging apparatus 100 performs still image capturing andtransmission processing.

In step S909, it is determined whether there is a request for cameraoperations such as zooming. If a camera operation request has beenissued (“Yes” in step S909), in step S910, the imaging apparatus 100performs camera operation processing.

In step S911, it is determined whether there has been a request foraccessing captured image data, such for as transmission of capturedimage data, stored in the digital camera 101, from the network. If anaccess request has been issued (“Yes” in step S911), in step S912, theimaging apparatus 100 denies the access request.

In step S913, it is determined whether there is a pan/tilt request. If apan/tilt request has been issued (“Yes” in step S913), in step S914, theimaging apparatus 100 performs pan/tilt operation processing.

In step S915, if other processing is required, such processing isrespectively performed.

As seen, the imaging apparatus 100 determines access levels and performsoperations according to the combination of the digital camera 101 andthe cradle apparatus 102.

Next, a method regarding setting access levels to the digital camera 101which uses user IDs in addition to cradle IDs will be described. Byusing user IDs, the imaging apparatus 100 will become able to changeaccess levels and perform operations even when the combination is with acradle apparatus that is not registered with the digital camera 101.This enables the imaging apparatus 100 to be easily operated withouthaving to register an available cradle apparatus with the digital camera101.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a menu hierarchy in the case where user IDsand passwords are used. FIGS. 12A to 12E are diagrams showing examplesof display screens corresponding to individual menus. In FIG. 11,reference numeral 1000 denotes a menu hierarchy of the digital camera101. This menu hierarchy includes menu items related to user IDs,namely: the menus of “imaging apparatus settings user ID,” “user IDregistration,” “change access level settings” and “user ID deletion.”Examples of respective display screens for cases where each menu isselected are shown as reference numeral 1010 in FIG. 12A, 1020 in FIG.12B, 1030 in FIG. 12C, 1040 in FIG. 12D and 1050 in FIG. 12E. Referencenumeral 1010 in FIG. 12A is a menu for imaging apparatus settings usinguser IDs. Selection and operation of menus are performed in a mannersimilar to the case described earlier by using the direction key 304 andSET button 303 of the digital camera 101. Reference numeral 1020 in FIG.12B is a user ID registration screen. The user ID registration screen isused when registering user IDs with the digital camera 101. A user ID isregistered by setting a user ID 1021 and a password 1022, and selectinga user ID registration button 1023. Once a user ID is registered, thedisplay proceeds to an access level settings screen (1030 in FIG. 12C)of the imaging apparatus 100 which corresponds to the user ID. Theaccess level settings screen is used to determine items to be accessedby the imaging apparatus 100, and to set whether real time imagetransmission, real time still image transmission, camera operations,captured image data transmission and pan/tilt operations, as describedearlier, will be permitted. Reference numeral 1040 of FIG. 12D denotesan operating screen used when changing an access level corresponding toa user ID. When changing an access level corresponding to the user ID, auser is first selected for changing settings. Next, the access levelsettings screen (1030 in FIG. 12C) which displays an access levelcorresponding to the selected user ID is displayed. Changing settings ofthe access level is performed through this screen. Reference numeral1050 of FIG. 12E denotes an operating screen used when deleting userIDs. A user ID to be deleted is selected, and the user ID registeredwith the digital camera 101 and an access level corresponding to theuser ID are deleted.

Next, operations of the imaging apparatus 100 using user IDs, and theprocedure of operations in the imaging apparatus 100 will be described.FIG. 13 shows a diagram for a case in which the user uses a PC tooperate the imaging apparatus 100 via a network. It is assumed thataccess levels such as those shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B are set for thecradle ID and user ID set to the digital camera 101.

When activated (reference numeral 1101 in FIG. 13), the imagingapparatus 100 reads out an access level corresponding to a cradle IDregistered with the digital camera 101, and sets the access level as theaccess level of the imaging apparatus 100 (1102 in FIG. 13). It isassumed that, at this point, the access level of the cradle ID shown asreference numeral 1201 in FIG. 14A has been set. With this access level,real time image transmission, real time still image transmission andcamera operations are permitted. Transmission of captured image data inthe digital camera 101 and pan/tilt operations are prohibited in theimaging apparatus 100 in this case, which is composed of a combinationof the digital camera 101 and a cradle apparatus 102. The user accessescaptured image data stored in the digital camera 101 via a network froma PC using HTTP (reference numeral 1103 in FIG. 13). Since the imagingapparatus 100 prohibits access to captured image data at the currentlyset access level, the imaging apparatus 100 denies access in procedure1103, and transmits a user ID authentication page to the PC (referencenumeral 1104 in FIG. 13). The user inputs his or her own user ID andpassword (reference numeral 1105 in FIG. 13) which have been registeredin advance with the digital camera 101, and attempts to change theaccess level. Upon receiving the user ID and password, the imagingapparatus 100 transmits a user ID and password to the digital camera 101from the CPU inside the cradle apparatus 102 to verify whether the useris registered (reference numeral 1106 in FIG. 13). When the inputteduser ID and password match, the digital camera 101 notifies an accesslevel corresponding to the user ID to the cradle CPU (reference numeral1107 in FIG. 13), and changes and resets the access level of the imagingapparatus 100. The imaging apparatus 100 notifies the user that the userID has been authenticated (reference numeral 1108 in FIG. 13). It isassumed that the access level corresponding to the set user ID is theaccess level shown as reference numeral 1202 in FIG. 14B. As shown byreference numeral 1202 in FIG. 14B, the access level in this case allowstransmission of captured image data. After confirming that the user IDhas been authenticated, the user reattempts to access captured imagedata stored in the digital camera 101 (reference numeral 1109 in FIG.13). Since the access level allows captured image data transmission, theimaging apparatus 100 permits access to captured image data in thedigital camera 101 by the user.

By using user IDs to access captured image data as described above,captured image data may be accessed without having to register a cradleapparatus with the digital camera 101 even when the imaging apparatus100 does not allow access to captured image data. In addition, when thedigital camera 101 is dismounted from the cradle apparatus, the accesslevel set to the imaging apparatus 100 becomes invalidated. Therefore,when the digital camera 101 is re-connected to the above-mentionedcradle apparatus, since an access level corresponding to the cradle IDwill be set, access to captured image data will be denied unless user IDauthentication is re-performed.

The relationship between an access level corresponding to a cradle IDand an access level corresponding to a user ID will now be described.TABLE 2 ACCESS LEVEL OF CRADLE ID USER ID IMAGING APPARATUS REGISTEREDNOT ACCESS LEVEL WITH DIGITAL REGISTERED/BEFORE CORRESPONDING TO CAMERAAUTHENTICATION CRADLE ID AFTER ACCESS LEVEL AUTHENTICATION CORRESPONDINGTO USER ID NOT NOT ACCESS LEVEL REGISTERED REGISTERED/BEFORECORRESPONDING TO WITH DIGITAL AUTHENTICATION OTHER CRADLES CAMERA AFTERACCESS LEVEL AUTHENTICATION CORRESPONDING TO USER ID

Table 2 shows combinations of cradle IDs and user IDs, as well as accesslevels to the imaging apparatus 100 which respectively correspond to thecombinations. There are two states regarding a cradle ID, namely, a casewhere the cradle ID is registered with the digital camera, and a casewhere the cradle ID is not registered. In addition, two states exist fora user ID, namely, a state in which the user ID is registered with thedigital camera 101 but is not yet authorized, and a state in which theuser ID has been authorized. The access level to the imaging apparatus100 is determined by combinations of these states.

First, in a case where the cradle ID is registered with the digitalcamera 101 but the user ID is not, the access level of the imagingapparatus 100 is set to an access level corresponding to the cradle ID.In addition, in a case where the cradle ID prior to being authenticatedis registered with the digital camera 101 and the user ID has beenauthorized, the access level of the imaging apparatus 100 is set to anaccess level corresponding to the user ID. Furthermore, in a state whereneither the cradle ID nor the user ID is registered with the digitalcamera 101, the access level of the imaging apparatus 100 is set to anaccess level corresponding to “other cradles.” Moreover, in a statewhere the cradle ID has been registered with the digital camera 101 butis not yet authenticated, the access level of the imaging apparatus 100is set to an access level corresponding to “other cradles.” The accesslevel of “other cradles” is, as described earlier, an access level ofthe imaging apparatus 100 as a combination of a cradle apparatus otherthan the registered cradle apparatus and the digital camera 101.Finally, in a case where the cradle ID is not registered with thedigital camera 101 and the user ID has been authorized, the access levelof the imaging apparatus 100 is set to an access level corresponding tothe user ID.

As seen, by using cradle IDs and user IDs in combination, the imagingapparatus allows access levels to be changed only when access isattempted using a user ID, even with combinations with a cradleapparatus not registered with the digital camera. Therefore, the imagingapparatus may be used in an easy manner at a user's desired access levelwithout having to perform frequent changes of access levelscorresponding to cradle IDs.

In addition, for a preferred embodiment of the present invention, acradle apparatus for exclusive use with digital cameras has beendescribed as the electronic apparatus to be connected to the digitalcamera. However, the electronic apparatus may instead be devices such asa copying machine or a printer equipped with the cradle functionsdescribed above. For instance, in a case with a printer with cradlefunctions and a digital camera, printing of captured image data ispossible if an access level which allows access to captured image datahas been set. This also enables protection of captured image data, suchas in a case with a printer (cradle ID) not registered with the digitalcamera which would be denied printing of the captured image data.

Even for a cradle apparatus with communication functions, the digitalcamera acquires a serial number (cradle ID) of the cradle apparatus, andperforms matching of the cradle ID. Therefore, since it is no longernecessary to release captured image data in the digital camera on anetwork, the digital camera may be charged or used as a monitoringcamera without anxiety.

In addition, concomitant use of user IDs allows access levels to theimaging apparatus to be changed per user. Therefore, the access level toan imaging apparatus may be easily changed to a user's access level evenwhen the imaging apparatus is a combination with a cradle apparatus notregistered with the digital camera. As a result, the imaging apparatusmay be used without having to frequently change settings such asregistering or deleting cradle apparatuses with the digital camera.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2005-267691, filed Sep. 14, 2005, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

1. A camera, comprising: an acquisition unit which acquires anidentifier via a cradle apparatus connected to the camera; a comparisonunit which compares the identifier acquired by the acquisition unit withan identifier stored in a memory; and a camera controller which controlsaccess of the apparatus connected via the cradle apparatus based oncomparison results by the comparison unit.
 2. The camera according toclaim 1, wherein the camera controller associates the identifier withset values of access levels for controlling access to the apparatusconnected via the cradle apparatus, and stores the associated identifierin the memory.
 3. The camera according to claim 2, wherein the accesslevels include levels which enable access to images stored in thememory.
 4. The camera according to claim 2, wherein the access levelsinclude levels which enable access to at least real time images capturedby the camera.
 5. The camera according to claim 1, comprising: aregistration unit which registers an identifier of a cradle apparatus inthe memory; and a setting unit which sets an access level, whichcorresponds to the identifier registered in the memory, for controllingaccess of the apparatus to be connected via the cradle apparatus.
 6. Thecamera according to claim 1, wherein: the camera controller causes auser name, a password and a set value of an access level to beassociated with each other and to be stored in a memory; the acquisitionunit acquires a user name and a password via the cradle apparatus; thecomparison unit compares the user name and password acquired by theacquisition unit with a user name and password stored in the memory; thesetting unit sets an access level for controlling access of theapparatus to be connected via the cradle apparatus as the set value,based on the comparison results from the comparison unit; and a changingunit for changing the access level from the apparatus to be connectedvia the cradle apparatus, based on the set value set by the settingunit.
 7. The camera according to claim 1, comprising: a registrationunit which registers user names and passwords, wherein the setting unitsets an access level, which corresponds to a user name registered by theregistration unit, for controlling access of the apparatus to beconnected via the cradle apparatus.
 8. The camera according to claim 7,wherein the access level corresponding to the user name is invalidatedwhen the cradle apparatus is dismounted from the camera.
 9. A cameracradle system, comprising: the camera according to claim 1, and a cradleapparatus to be connected to the camera.
 10. A camera control method,comprising: a connecting step for connecting a cradle apparatus to acamera; an acquisition step for acquiring an identifier via theconnected cradle apparatus; a comparison step for comparing theidentifier acquired in the acquisition step with an identifier stored ina memory of the camera; and a control step for controlling access of theapparatus connected via the cradle apparatus based on comparison resultsobtained in the comparison step.